On February 7, 2025, the Collegio Papio in Ascona will host a meeting dedicated to contemporary philanthropy and patronage, with particular attention to the connection between these practices and the world of culture. The protagonist of the event will be Elisa Bortoluzzi Dubach, an internationally recognized expert in sponsorships, foundations and public relations.
The conference, titled "Philanthropy and Generosity: Discovering the Figure of Emilio Bortoluzzi, Man, Physician, Poet ," will begin with the memory of the speaker's father, Emilio Bortoluzzi, a prominent figure in the field of medicine and a lover of poetry and culture. The physician, who passed away in 2018, left a legacy of commitment and support for knowledge and the arts, which will serve as the starting point for a broader reflection on the current dynamics of patronage.
An opportunity to discuss cultural support strategies
Through years of studies and field experience, Elisa Bortoluzzi Dubach has refined an approach that goes beyond traditional stereotypes on patronage. According to the scholar, the relationship between those who finance a project and those who receive it should not be considered in a hierarchical way, but rather as a mutual interaction of cultural and value enrichment.
“I would like to dispel many myths about patronage,” says the professor, “In particular the idea that those seeking funding are in a subordinate position to the donor. In reality, the patron has the opportunity to come into contact with a world of ideas, creativity and values that would otherwise remain inaccessible.”
The Importance of Philanthropy in Art and Culture
The role of philanthropy in the cultural sector is increasingly crucial. Museums, art foundations, academic institutions and independent projects need constant support to operate and develop. The conference will offer practical tools and food for thought to build an effective dialogue between patrons and cultural operators, providing concrete examples and models of success.
The event will conclude with an open debate, in which those present will be able to ask questions and share experiences on the topic of collaboration between those who financially support culture and those who are its bearers.
The conference will be held at the Collegio Papio in Ascona, via delle Cappelle 1, at 17:30 pm.
Entrance is free but reservations are recommended by calling +41 91 785 11 65 or by visiting the official website of the institution
Who is Elisa Bortoluzzi Dubach
A university lecturer in Italy and Switzerland, a consultant in public relations, sponsorship, and foundation management, Elisa Bortoluzzi Dubach has worked with companies, public institutions, and private individuals internationally. The author of numerous essays and manuals on fundraising and patronage, she has published, among others, La relazione generica (Franco Angeli, 2020), co-authored with Chiara Tinonin. She is a member of the jury for the Austrian "Mecenate" Award and is a point of reference for anyone wishing to understand and apply best practices in the philanthropy sector.
Emilio Bortoluzzi between medicine, literature and philanthropy
Born in Venice in 1921 and living in Varese, Emilio Bortoluzzi was a head physician and a pioneer in the creation of the Resuscitation Center of the Circolo Hospital in Varese. Alongside his medical career, he cultivated a deep passion for poetry, publishing twelve collections and drawing inspiration from the greats of Italian literature. His philanthropic activity materialized in the support of cultural and musical associations, including the Società Varesina dei Concerti and the University of Insubria.
With this conference, his daughter Elisa wants to pay homage to his figure, while at the same time tracing a path for the future of patronage, in the hope of strengthening the link between culture and philanthropy.
